Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off The Wall Blu-ray (2016 Documentary) Michael Jackson

Description

Background: Premiering at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival before its television premiere on February 5, 2016, Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall marked acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee’s first feature-length documentary devoted entirely to Michael Jackson’s musical legacy. Rather than revisiting the well-known chapters of Michael’s later career, the film focuses on the pivotal years that shaped him into one of the greatest entertainers in history, celebrating the artistic journey that led to the creation of the landmark Off the Wall album.

Description: Discover the extraordinary story behind the album that transformed Michael Jackson from a celebrated child star into the world’s most influential solo entertainer. Directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Spike Lee, Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall is a compelling and insightful documentary chronicling Michael’s remarkable evolution from his early years at Motown Records through the creation of his groundbreaking 1979 masterpiece, Off the Wall.

Drawing upon rare archival footage, unforgettable television appearances, electrifying performances, and revealing interviews with family members, friends, collaborators, musicians, and entertainment icons, the documentary explores the determination, creativity, and artistic vision that defined Michael’s pursuit of excellence. The film highlights his legendary collaboration with producer Quincy Jones, his desire to establish his own artistic identity, and the making of an album that forever changed the sound of popular music.

Featured interviews include Berry Gordy, Katherine Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Pharrell Williams, Questlove, John Legend, The Weeknd, David Foster, Suzanne de Passe, Gladys Knight, Kobe Bryant, Misty Copeland, Lee Daniels, and many others whose lives and careers were inspired by Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry. Their firsthand memories provide a fascinating look into the passion, discipline, and innovation that made Off the Wall one of the most influential albums ever recorded.

Thoughtfully crafted and widely praised for its celebration of Michael’s artistry and enduring influence, this documentary is an essential addition to every Michael Jackson collection. Whether you’re discovering this remarkable chapter for the first time or revisiting one of the most important moments in music history, Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall offers an inspiring and unforgettable look at the talent, ambition, and vision that laid the foundation for one of the greatest careers in entertainment history.

Cast: Berry Gordy (Motown founder); Suzanne de Passe (former Motown executive); Katherine Jackson (Michael Jackson’s mother); Valerie Simpson (Motown songwriter and producer); Steve Manning (former Jackson 5 fan-club president and publicist); Joe Jackson (Michael Jackson’s father and original manager); Marlon Jackson (Jackson 5 and The Jacksons member); Jackie Jackson (Jackson 5 and The Jacksons member); Joe Vogel (Michael Jackson biographer and music scholar); Lee Daniels (filmmaker); Leon Huff (songwriter and producer); Kenneth Gamble (songwriter and producer); John Leguizamo (actor and writer); Dream Hampton (writer and cultural critic); Questlove (musician, producer and music historian); Walter Yetnikoff (former CBS Records president); Ron Alexenburg (former Epic Records executive); Kobe Bryant (basketball legend); John Branca (Michael Jackson’s attorney and Estate co-executor); Bobby Colomby (former Epic Records A&R executive); Jason King (music scholar and professor); Greg Phillinganes (Michael Jackson keyboardist and musical director); Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett (Michael Jackson drummer); Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire bassist and “Get on the Floor” co-writer); Rosie Perez (actress and dancer); Misty Copeland (ballet dancer); Fatima Robinson (choreographer and dancer); Karen Langford (Michael Jackson Estate archivist); Spike Lee (director and producer); Barry Michael Cooper (writer and cultural critic); Rob Cohen (producer of The Wiz); Joel Schumacher (costume designer for The Wiz and film director); Harry Weinger (Motown catalog producer and historian); Quincy Jones (producer of Off the Wall); Maurice Warfield (former Epic Records promotion executive); Steven Ivory (music journalist and producer); Bruce Swedien (Off the Wall recording engineer and mixer); Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson producer and songwriter); DJ Spinna (DJ, producer and music historian); Mark Ronson (record producer and musician); Mali Music (singer, songwriter and producer); The Weeknd (singer and songwriter); David Byrne (Talking Heads singer and songwriter); John Legend (singer, songwriter and producer); Siedah Garrett (Michael Jackson collaborator and songwriter); Lemon Andersen (poet and performance artist); Esperanza Spalding (bassist, singer and composer); Tom Bahler (“She’s Out of My Life” songwriter); L.A. Reid (record producer and executive); Stevie Wonder (Motown artist and “I Can’t Help It” songwriter); Susaye Greene (“I Can’t Help It” co-writer); Pharrell Williams (singer and producer); David Foster (“It’s the Falling in Love” co-writer and producer); Carole Bayer Sager (“It’s the Falling in Love” co-writer); Larkin Arnold (former CBS Records executive); and Dan Beck (former Epic Records marketing executive).

Available in DVD or Blu-ray (format specified in the product title).

Running Time: 1 Hour 33 Minutes